(from DaimlerChrysler
Press Release) Mercedes-Benz engineers are currently
developing a new, prestigious luxury limousine with integrated
highest protection for governments, businesses, monarchs and heads
of state. The armoured Pullman Limousine is based on the long
version of the S 600 with a substantially extended wheelbase length.
The Mercedes-Benz State Limousine therefore provides a level of
roominess worthy of its high-ranking occupants, not to mention
outstanding comfort and a fully equipped mobile office. The S 600
Guard Pullman sees the world's oldest car manufacturer continuing
its long tradition of building large state carriages with
factory-integrated special-protection features.
Tradition and innovation are part of Mercedes-Benz' corporate
culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the construction of
large, armoured, prestigious limousines. The Stuttgart-based
manufacturer is the only carmaker that develops and builds
impressive Pullman limousines with special protection, primarily for
the official engagements of heads of state and monarchs. And it has
been doing so for some eight decades without interruption.

Originally, Pullman cars were railroad sleeping cars with luxurious
appointments, produced by the American Pullman Palace Car Company;
however, it was not long before the name "Pullman" also came to
describe Mercedes-Benz cars with an extra-long wheelbase and an
extremely large passenger compartment in the rear. Separated from
the front compartment by a partition, the rear compartment housed
four individual face-to-face seats, allowing four passengers to sit
opposite each other in truly grand style.

The very first Mercedes-Benz car to be factory-fitted with special
protection, in 1928, was a long Pullman version of the W 08/460
Nrburg model. This was followed first by the 770 K, which provided
protection befitting the status of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito
among others, and then by further Pullman Limousines. Eventually,
the legendary Mercedes-Benz 600 assumed the mantle of state
carriage, holding it for almost thirty years. As well as being used
by the government of the Federal Republic of Germany for official
business it was the preferred vehicle of governments from numerous
other countries and many prominent dynasties. Further Pullman
versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Guard featuring special protection
followed in these illustrious footsteps. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman
of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler: "The new
Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman continues an impressive tradition
and, as before, will offer the very highest levels of protection,
comfort and prestige."

Governments, heads of state and royalty all over the world have
always appreciated Mercedes-Benz' vast experience and pioneering
technical achievements in the construction of prestigious limousines
featuring special protection. The luxury limousine not only provides
all the communications and entertainment equipment they need, it
also offers them space for discreet meetings. So they have
everything perfectly under control, whatever the situation, with the
added bonus of highly comfortable, individually styled surroundings.

Newly developed based on the S 600

In terms of technology,
the new Pullman Limousine is based on the flagship Mercedes Benz S
600 L Guard model. Power comes courtesy of a smooth twelve-cylinder
biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cc, an output of
380kW/517 hp and an impressive peak torque of 830 Nm.

Both the chassis and the body are new developments, since simply
adding on an extension would not have ensured the required overall
stability, given the extra-long wheelbase. These new developments
also provide the solid design basis for the installation of the
heavy special-protection components. In addition, the new State
Limousine features a rear entrance with increased headroom. Behind
the partition, there is space for four passengers in the rear
compartment with luxurious face-to-face seats in the time-honoured
Pullman tradition.

Integrated special protection for
highest possible security

The Mercedes-Benz S 600
Guard Pullman also offers its discerning passengers the highest
possible degree of protection against terrorist attacks. The Highest
Protection specified for this car is equivalent to resistance level
B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organisations. Plus
it meets further requirements that are not even stipulated by any
standard, as tested by public and independent organisations. Its
armour resists military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides
protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive
devices. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a
self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.

In order to achieve the highest possible degree of protection,
specialists with many years of experience in security technology
equip the Pullman Limousine in Sindelfingen, working on the
principle of integrated special protection. In effect this means
that, rather than retrofitting the protective elements in the doors,
rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall, etc. of an already
finished vehicle, they fully integrate them into the bodyshell.
Hence the body structure is further reinforced. The resulting
vehicles offer hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with
comprehensive Highest Protection, including in those areas where
retrofits would be all but impossible. The basis for this is
long-standing, continuous and close cooperation with nationally and
internationally recognised security authorities. Over a period of
decades, this collaboration has ensured that the production and
development expertise of the Mercedes specialists has continued to
grow. Their vast experience in the fields of protection technology
and ballistics enables them to react to changing requirements in the
most effective way possible.

Thanks to seamless integration of the special-protection features,
the paint quality and corrosion protection match the high standards
of conventional Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Furthermore, the
Pullman Limousines can be serviced at any Mercedes-Benz service
outlet world-wide a key aspect of the comprehensive, uncomplicated
high-level service concept.

It goes without saying that every new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard
Pullman will display its own unique brand of styling thanks to an
extensive range of appointments options including a choice of paint
finishes, leathers and woods. Even the most unusual of customer
requests can be met.

The first editions of the new Mercedes-Benz State Limousine are due
to be delivered in late 2008.